Rahul Gandhi lays foundation stone for 100 houses for landslide victims in Wayanad
On the occasion, the Congress leader praised the resilience and compassion of Wayanad residents, saying, “You lost a lot, but not your courage or your humanity.”
The Kerala Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution under Rule 275, urging the Central government to expedite aid for Wayanad, which has been hit by severe landslides.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister MB Rajesh, who moved the resolution, highlighted the urgent need for Central aid for the rehabilitation of the affected people.
He said that the state had already submitted a memorandum detailing the destruction caused in areas like Punchirimattam, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala of Meppadi panchayat.
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Following the incident, the state government submitted a detailed memorandum to the central government, requesting financial support for essential rehabilitation efforts, he said.
The Chief Minister has also apprised the Prime Minister of the need for financial aid during his visits to the affected area and in subsequent discussions.
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Despite these efforts, no emergency aid has been provided to the state to date.
The Meppadi landslide is classified as a ‘Disaster of Severe Nature’ under the National Disaster Management Act, Rajesh said. Other states impacted by natural disasters have received assistance from the central government, raising concerns that Kerala has not been afforded the same consideration.
The resolution called for speedy financial assistance and loan waivers for affected residents. Delays will hinder rehabilitation efforts, the resolution stated.
The resolution also mentioned that under Section 13 of the National Disaster Management Act, 2005, the National Disaster Management Authority has the power to write off the loans of victims of a disaster of severe nature.
“The Centre should take immediate steps to invoke this power for the victims of the Chooralmala and Mundakkai landslides,” it added.
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